[1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,2:1 Why do the heathen rage: Originally this passage referred to the nations that confronted David and his legitimate successors. However, the Davidic kings were only shadows of the coming great King, the Savior Jesus. Consequently, this verse also refers to any attack on Jesus and His divine kingdom. this assault by the nations occurred in its most dramatic form at the Cross, but resistance to God's kingdom has continued to this day.2:2 LORD refers to the Heavenly Father. His Anointed (18:50; 132:10) refers to the Son (Jesus Christ)). The word conveys a sense of royalty, for kings were anointed (see 1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13). The kings of the earth would attempt to withstand the King of the universe.